St. Paul: One charge dismissed against Occupy protestor

Anthony David Newby (Photo courtesy of the Ramsey County sheriff's office)

A Ramsey County judge has thrown out one of three charges against a man who is on trial for alleged actions involving a protest at a St. Paul law firm.

Judge Rosanne Nathanson dismissed the charge of disorderly conduct against Anthony David Newby, 38, of Minneapolis, during a hearing Friday, Feb. 1. Newby's attorney, Jordan Kushner, had asked for all the charges to be dismissed before the jury begins deliberations on Monday. Two other charges, of fifth-degree assault and trespassing, remain.

The March 1, 2012, protest by 100 to 150 people at the law firm of Reiter & Schiller ended with an employee injured.

Newby helped organize the action by Occupy Homes MN, an anti-foreclosure group. They planned to talk with attorneys at the firm, located at 25 N. Dale St., about a case in which it represented the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, or Freddie Mac.

As Newby was at the door talking to paralegal Denise Reinke, 45, another protester ran up and yanked the door open. A video of the incident shows Reinke tumbling forward. She fell and injured a knee.

Prosecutors say Newby grabbed the woman and pushed her. He testified that he initiated no contact with her. It felt as if she were pushing him, he said Friday.